Gouda Cheese vs Provel Cheese
Gouda Cheese is a cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Provel Cheese is soft, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Gouda Cheese?
Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and aged to develop a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a smooth, firm texture. Young Gouda is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda becomes hard and crumbly with intense flavors.
What Is Provel Cheese?
Provel is a processed cheese originating from St. Louis, Missouri, in the United States. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, it is characterized by its soft texture, which makes it easy to melt. The cheese has a buttery flavor, accompanied by a smokey aroma, making it a popular choice for topping pizzas and other dishes in its region of origin. Provel is white in color and typically comes with a plastic rind. Its unique combination of flavors and melting properties has made it a staple in St. Louis-style pizza.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Provel Cheese?
- Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Provel Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Gouda Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Provel Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Provel Cheese (pasteurized)
- Rind: Gouda Cheese (Durable), Provel Cheese (plastic)
- Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Provel Cheese (buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Provel Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | United States |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Soft, processed |
| Rind | Durable | Plastic |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Provel Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Provel Cheese brings buttery character.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Provel Cheese?
Gouda Cheese can stand in for Provel Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Provel Cheese brings buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Provel Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Provel Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Provel Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Provel Cheese comes from United States. Gouda Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Provel Cheese uses cow.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Provel Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Provel Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Provel Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Provel Cheese is buttery.
What is Gouda Cheese made of?
Gouda Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Netherlands.
What is Provel Cheese made of?
Provel Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Provel Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.